Festive Travel: 10 UK Cottages for Christmas and New Year

by Shabana Adam | 7 December 2012

Celebrate the festivities at one of these lovely properties

Whether you’re looking for somewhere romantic to snuggle up in front of a roaring fire or in search of the perfect party house for New Year, the National Trust has some great late deals on beautiful properties across the country.

With savings of up to 25 per cent, there’s still time to book a Christmas or New Year break to remember.

For murder mystery fans there’s the chance to ring-in 2013 in Agatha Christie’s holiday home, Greenway in Devon. While families looking to getaway from it all this Christmas can escape to Isolation Cottage in the historic grounds of Corfe Castle in Dorset.

Here’s the National Trust’s pick of some of the best places to stay this festive season:

Old Rectory, Rhossili Beach, GowerHalf a mile from Rhossili, at the end of a steep farm track, this Victorian cottage is set on a raised terrace in the dramatic landscape of Rhossili Bay with uninterrupted views. The house boasts a massive table for festive feasting next to a roaring wood-burning stove.

Five nights from 22 December now £1,486 (20% discount)

Saxon Cottage, Steyning, SussexThis delightful thatched cottage stands in a convenient location just off Steyning's bustling High Street. It has an unusual and intriguing cat-slide thatched roof and inside is full of character with low ceilings and doorways which have been known to catch out the unwary. Sleeps two.

Five nights from 22 December £554 (15% discount)

Powders, Helford, CornwallPowders is a stylish 1930s wooden bungalow that nestles amongst the whispering pine trees at the spot where Frenchman’s creek meets the main Helford River. With spectacular river views it’s a haven for birdwatchers, walkers or just those looking for peace and tranquillity. Sleeps four.

Four nights from 24 December £1,236 (15% discount)

Dyffryn Mymbyr Cottage, SnowdoniaThis restored 16th-century listed cottage has incredible views including the Snowdon Horseshoe and Moel Siabod. Crammed with original features, including an inglenook fireplace and wood-burning stove, low beams and wooden panelling the cottage is located on a working upland farm.

Five nights from 22 December £516 (15% discount)

Isolation Cottage, Corfe Castle, DorsetThis cottage was once the nurses’ home to the isolation hospital and lies between Corfe Castle and the river port of Wareham. It enjoys beautiful views over the Purbeck Hills and adjoining Nature Reserve.

Four nights from 24 December £690 (15% discount)

Apartment at Greenway (Agatha Christie)Set high up on the banks of the River dart, this fantastic Georgian house was Agatha Christie’s holiday home from 1938 until 1959, and she described it as "the loveliest place in the world". Accommodating up to ten, located over two floors, the apartment is decorated as it was when the house was refurbished for ‘modern living’ in 1938. Sleeps ten.

Five nights from 29 December £1,482 (25% discount)

Chatham, Bosloe, CornwallChatham occupies the imposing west wing of a large country house, which was added in 1903 with a touch of elegant Arts-and-Crafts style about it. The main rooms enjoy superb views down the rolling lawns and wildflower meadows towards the Helford River, and the interiors combine splendid style and historic detailing with comfort. Sleeps eight.

Four nights from 29 December £1,090 (25% discount)

Choristers, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, YorkshireLocated in the Studley Royal Deer Park, Choristers’ House offers stunning views across the park and down to Studley Lake. Built in 1873, by William Burgess it was originally designed to house a music school, along with the music master and organist. The interior reflects the gothic Burges style with all existing original features maintained. Sleeps ten.

Five nights from 28 December £1,472 (20% discount)

Housesteads, Hadrian's WallThis 19th Century mock-Tudor farmhouse is just 100 yards from the ruins of Housesteads Fort, the best preserved military base along Hadrian’s Wall. It sleeps up to five in a double, twin and single bedroom, each with stunning views. Sleeps five.

Four nights from 29 December £690 (15% discount)

Downpatrick Gate LodgeAt the woodland entrance to Castle Ward, this lodge was built in the 1870s for Lord Bangor. Located on the edge of Castle Ward estate there are great walks from the doorstep and two wood burning stoves to keep things cosy when you return. Dog-friendly and it sleeps four.